Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Tuesday during the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral cooperation. The meeting underscores Beijing's growing strategic partnerships with Central Asian nations amid shifting global energy dynamics.
Observers note the discussions likely focused on expanding the China-Central Asia gas pipeline network, which has transported over 400 billion cubic meters of natural gas to the Chinese mainland since 2009. This infrastructure forms a crucial link in China's Belt and Road Initiative, with Turkmenistan remaining its largest single natural gas supplier.
The summit comes as Central Asian nations seek to balance regional economic partnerships. “Energy security and cross-border connectivity remain pillars of China-Central Asia cooperation,” said Dr. Li Wei, a Eurasian affairs analyst at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies. “These meetings help stabilize supply chains while creating new growth avenues for all parties.”
Cultural exchanges also featured in the dialogue, with both leaders endorsing expanded educational partnerships and tourism initiatives. This aligns with China's recent visa relaxation policies for Central Asian business travelers and tourists.
